Sadducees
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Sadducees in the Bible?
The Sadducees were a Jewish sect that emerged during the Second Temple period, characterized by their wealth, priestly descent, and materialistic beliefs. They were a political party with aristocratic tendencies, opposed to the more religious and democratic Pharisees.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Sadducees clarifies the political and religious tensions in the New Testament, particularly regarding the authority of the Sanhedrin and the differing interpretations of Torah law that influenced the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Sadducees reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sadducees in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sadducees clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sadducees." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sadducees/